I think as moms we have to guard our time and say no to certain things so we can say yes to family. I have three boys and its a constant battle to not over schedule them. I value family time. The happiest of memories I have of my childhood are over family dinner, board games,or just bike rides with my family.
Of course its important to have our kids enrolled in actives and to let them pursue sports and arts and interests that they love, but I think we also have to fight for family time. Time for them to play and just be with their siblings and their parents. I love just hanging out and being with my boys. It is a different mind set when you are intentional with that hours after dinner and before homework where you can just hang out. Laugh with them and enjoy who they are. I can see with my nine year old, that he is constantly changing, and I don’t want to miss out on this person that I have to love today because I know I will blink and he will be driving.
I totally understand that this seems crazy with the list of to-dos us moms have…. However, I found that once I gave my kids me- where I put my phone down or whatever my “to-do” list was… but I was just in their presence as their mom and gave them my undivided attention- it was the highlight of my day. I found I was constantly rushing them off to school, or hurry hurry to the practice, that I was a nag. And I was not viewing them as these little treasures but were simply stressing me out. I realized that this season of my life is so special. I don’t want my only role in their lives to be a nag- but I want to be a source of love and fun and joy and laughter. I don’t get this right every day, but man when I do, that is the stuff they will forever treasure… and me too.
So my encouragement to you is to be with your kids. Lets hang out with them and if we have to, schedule in our family time so it becomes a reality. I really think its the most important thing not just for our children, but for our families.
